Vocabulary

answers, he (to answer)

at least (adv. exp.)

capital (noun)

Remember that the word "capitol" refers to a building, such as the "Capitol" building in Washington, D.C.

dies, it (to die)

To say that your car's engine "dies" every so often, means that the motor "stops running." Any piece of machinery can "die," meaning that it has either stopped temporarily or permanently. One might hear the expression "My car died on me." (not to be taken literally) or "My car got up and died on me." Similarly, one can say "My battery is dead." "The car's radio is dead." "My eight-track tape player is dying." "My jalopy died a slow and painful death."

driving (pres. part., to drive)

As "driving" is one of America's greatest pastimes, there are many slang terms that people can use to characterize the type of driving they do. One can go "touring," "cruising," "tooling (around)," "hot rodding, "drag racing," "joy riding," "four wheeling," and "burning rubber," among many others.

emergency (noun)

engine (noun)

garage (noun)

A garage is not only an enclosed place where you can park your car. It is also a place where you can have your car repaired if it isn't running well.

helpful (adj.)

hours (noun, pl.)

job (noun)

Not only does this word refer to one's work or place of work, "job" is frequently used in congratulatory expressions such as "Good job!" "Nice job!" "What a great job!" "Get a job!" can mean "Get serious!" or "Get your act (or "your life") together!"

labor (noun)

The cost of "labor" or "work" can be very high in the U.S. The expression "in labor" refers to the process of giving birth to a baby. (E.g.: "She spent six hours in labor when she had her first baby.")

lift (noun)

To "give a lift" means "to offer someone a ride" in your car. To "drop off" is to leave someone somewhere. Another useful expression is "to pick up" someone, meaning to go get them. However, be careful, because "to pick up" also has the connotation of looking for someone with romantic or amorous goals in mind.

lovely (adj.)

miles (noun, pl.)

nation's (poss.)

nearest (adj., superl.)

never (adv.)

officer (noun)

Using the word "officer" is a respectful and courteous way to address a policeman or policewoman, as are "sir" and "ma'am."

overheat (to overheat)

A car that has "overheated" may have a problem with its "radiator." Machinery can "overheat," whereas people may suffer from "heat exhaustion."

parts (noun, pl.)

patrol (noun)

When police officers are "on patrol," they are also "on duty."

pull over, you (to pull over)

A driver can "pull a car over" to the road's "shoulder" if there's an emergency. A driver can also "get pulled over" by a police officer for any number of reasons, including "speeding" or "driving over the speed limit."

reimburse (inf., to reimburse)

Another way one can "reimburse" someone is to "pay them back."

rest (noun)

"Rest" can refer to "relaxation" or "sleep." "The rest" most often refers to "the remainder."

restart (inf., to restart)

The prefix "re-" can be attached to almost any verb, meaning that the action of the verb can be done a second time, repeated, or be done again.

say, they (to say)

Another way to express "they say" is the passive form "It is said...."

shoulder (noun)

A "road's shoulder" is normally made of "gravel." You might see signs on a road such as "Low Shoulder" or "No Shoulder." The right shoulder of an interstate is known as the "Emergency Lane" (also called the "shoulder").

somewhere (adv.)

The opposite of "somewhere" is "nowhere."

tells, he (to tell)

times (noun, pl.)

The plural "times" usually refers to "instances," as in "How many times do I have to tell you...!"

towed (past. part., to tow)

"Tow" means "to pull" or "drag" something behind.

well (adv.)

wrong (adj.)

Story

You've been driving for six hours, and you're somewhere in North Carolina. You notice that your car is beginning to overheat. The next exit is at least ten miles away. Your car's engine dies several times, but you're able to restart it. Finally, you pull over to the shoulder. You're in luck; a highway patrol officer stops behind your car and asks if you need any help.